They stopped as suddenly as though they had met an invisible electric current.
The curtain fell behind the man in tatters, and he remained motionless for a space.

A low murmuring among the priests ensued, and presently one of their number--the youngest--passed out and stationed himself before the curtain.

Not even a privileged dancing girl might enter now.
The man in tatters stepped forward.

He became the center of the group; his gestures were quick, tense, authoritative.

At length priest turned to priest, and the wrinkled faces became more wrinkled still: smiles.
"Highness," said the eldest, "we had thought of this, but you did not make us your confidant." "Till an hour gone it had not occurred to me.